PRS Guitars Introduce New Mid-Priced S2 Series

PRS are jumping on the mid-priced train with their new S2 Series. As far as I can tell so far, they’re keeping costs down by doing things like bevelling the top of the body instead of fully carving it, which saves time. All the hardware and pickups etc are similar to the usual offerings but prefixed with “S2″… so it’s anyone’s guess at this point what that means in terms of spec and tone.

Thankfully this line is still USA made, bucking the recent trend for manufacturers to move mid priced lines to Indonesia or Vietnam. Are the PRS SE series still made in Korea though??

Anyway, here’s the press release with some juicy pics.

(STEVENSVILLE, MD) July 9, 2013 – PRS Guitars’ new S2 Series instruments – the S2 Mira, S2 Starla, and S2 Custom 24 – offer the fit, feel, and attention to detail of PRS craftsmanship in a fresh, straightforward design. Meaning “Stevensville 2,” the S2 Series is named for a second manufacturing line created inside the PRS Stevensville, MD shop that blends new manufacturing techniques with practiced quality control and workmanship to create instruments at a new price point for players. The S2 Series will be in stores in early August and will be made up of the S2 Mira ($1,179), the S2 Starla ($1,249), and the S2 Custom 24 ($1,399).

“We are extraordinarily excited about the S2 Series. This has been a textbook example of how a very dedicated team can come together to create not only a fantastic series of guitars, but a state of the art production line to build them on. We look forward to offering this new series of guitars to an expanded artist and customer base while giving our current customers more options,” said Jack Higginbotham, President, PRS Guitars.

A diverse group of artists, from Indie to Rock to Punk, have road tested these guitars and found them to embody everything they require in an instrument. S2 Artists include Thomas Fekete from Surfer Blood, Steve Stout from Blondfire, Dave Knudson from Minus the Bear, JJ Grey from MOFRO, Isaac Ellsworth from MoneyPenny, Jesse Lawson from Sleeping with Sirens and more.

“This guitar has already changed the way I play. The sounds you can get out of it are incredible. Right out of the box at the house the Starla’s were a blast. Even without an amp they’re really loud and very easy to play! Probably one of the greatest things about these guitars is that they refuse to go out of tune which is HUGE. Staying in tune is such a big deal for me and having total confidence in a guitar is like having total confidence in the people you play with onstage. I can’t say enough about these guitars!” - JJ Grey on his S2 Starla.

This significant investment from PRS is the continuation of a long-term plan to diversify the company and its offerings both vertically and horizontally and to supply more artists and players with tools to create music. With their retro-inspired vibe, hallmark PRS quality, and popular pricetag, the S2 Series is perhaps the strongest example of this yet from PRS.

S2 Custom 24 - $1399

The S2 Custom 24 takes the original PRS guitar, the Custom 24, and reimagines it with stripped-down features and a new aesthetic. Retaining the classic maple top/mahogany back combination, with our classic body shape & a new asymmetrical beveled top, this guitar is resonant with a funky familiarity. Its versatility comes from its custom-wound pickups and 3-way blade switch. Familiar for PRS players of old, and a fresh take for players of all types.

S2 Mira - $1179

With an understated, refined appearance, instant comfort and playability, and a voice that is familiar and captivating, the vintage-inspired S2 Mira is a guitar you won’t want to put down.

Its all-mahogany body and asymmetrical, beveled top give the S2 Mira much of its explosive tone. And while not a super high output guitar, the S2 Mira can be overdriven into well-rounded, organic rock tones without sacrificing the punch or clarity found in higher-output guitars (or even active pickups). The bridge pickup is rich with some sparkle and substantial but tight low end, while the neck pickup is a little darker providing great balance and vintage tones.

S2 Starla - $1249

The S2 Starla offers serious style and retro personality in a reliable package that make this guitar instantly playable and sure to turn heads. At first glance, the all-mahogany singlecut body equipped with a tune-o-matic bridge and a Bigsby B50 tailpiece tells you this is going to be one badass guitar. Once in your hands, it is balanced and as comfortable as a guitar you’ve been playing for years.